Chapter 275: How Is This Possible! It Can

Facing the decision of Lu Yuanzhi and her sister, Zhou Qing briefly froze, then broke into ecstatic joy.

This is perfect!

If two Cut-Spirit realm experts could join Taiqingmen, this would be an immense stroke of fortune!

At that time, even the Sect Master and others would have to treat them as honored guests.

With such powerful allies, all past hesitations and constraints would vanish.

“You—you’re sure?” Zhou Qing, snapping back to himself, eagerly confirmed again.

Lu Yuanzhi nodded. “Of course. You saved my elder sister’s life—that’s a debt of rebirth to me, and I must repay it.”

Zhou Qing was stunned, then quickly calmed, smiling wryly as he shook his head. “I hoped you’d come to Taiqingmen, but you don’t need to do this out of gratitude.”

“Earlier, Elder Jiu gifted me Black Ice Marrow, and you personally guided Yaoyao. That debt is already settled. If I joined Taiqingmen solely because of gratitude, I could never rest easy.”

Lu Yuanzhi smiled understandingly, her eyes filled with sincerity. “We’re not forcing ourselves—we truly long for it. Taiqingmen is our home, not a burden.”

Zhou Qing fell silent for a moment, then suddenly remembered something, his expression turning grave. “What about Imperial Consort Chen? Once you reach Cut-Spirit realm, the imperial capital will spare no effort to recruit you. Won’t it be easy then to help her regain her freedom?”

Lu Yuanzhi’s expression darkened instantly, as if she’d long since made up her mind.

Then she spoke heavily: “Nearly every Cut-Spirit cultivator in the Shengwu Empire has benefited from the old emperor’s breakthrough formula.”

“Or rather, they all went there, struck some deal, and only then advanced.”

“My sister and I never received any favor from them, owe them nothing—so what do you think would happen if we tried to free our third sister?”

Zhou Qing frowned, a sudden realization dawning. “Imperial Consort Chen is their leverage over you.”

Lu Yuanzhi nodded. “Exactly. So this can’t be rushed. Besides, even if our third sister dislikes Emperor Xuan Yuan Hao, Xuan Yuan Muqian is still her own flesh and blood—her lifelong Jituo .”

“If we snatch her away, the Xuan Yuan clan will threaten her with Muqian. Then our third sister will be trapped in an impossible choice.”

Zhou Qing sighed softly.

Today she’s sick, tomorrow she’s in danger, the day after she’s forced to marry someone she hates.

If Imperial Consort Chen returns out of concern, she’ll become another “Xuan Yuan Muqian.”

“For now, though she’s not free, at least she’s well-fed and clothed, with some liberty. So for the short term, we won’t retrieve her or reveal our cultivation.”

Lu Yuanzhi paused, then continued: “Besides, the academy director said this academy will dissolve soon.”

Zhou Qing froze. “Dissolve?”

Lu Yuanzhi sighed. “The director once said he founded this academy on a whim—his roots lie elsewhere.”

Zhou Qing’s heart stirred—he recalled Second Uncle’s words: Director Weng Yunqi wasn’t from the Shengwu Empire; he came here to heal.

Could he be returning to his own cultivation nation?

Lu Yuanzhi’s gaze turned earnest again as she looked at Zhou Qing. “So we chose Taiqingmen not just out of gratitude—but because we have nowhere else to go.”

“At Taiqingmen, we can teach Yaoyao and share our Cut-Spirit insights with your Elders.”

“And we’ll conceal our identities completely—no trouble, no exposure. Is that acceptable?”

Zhou Qing, already convinced, stepped back and bowed deeply. “I, Zhou Qing, on behalf of Taiqingmen, warmly welcome you both!”

Lu Yuanzhi smiled instantly, stepping back and returning the bow solemnly. “Thank you. Joining Taiqingmen is our honor. We look forward to your guidance.”

…

After a brief stay at the academy, Zhou Qing took leave of Lin Daochen and Lu Yuanzhi, boarding the flying vessel bound for the border again.

Watching the academy’s buildings recede into the distance, Zhou Qing fell into thought.

If the academy truly dissolves, Taiqingmen might become Lin Shi’s new refuge.

But such an invitation would be too abrupt—if spoken too soon, it would seem forced. Better to wait for the right moment.

On the vessel, Shen Yunzhou noticed Zhou Qing’s uncontainable smile and immediately sidled over.

He raised an eyebrow, teasing: “Oh? What good news? You’re grinning like this—did you find a lead?”

Zhou Qing’s expression turned serious. “Don’t guess. Just remembered something amusing.”

“You’re strange. Your sister’s still missing, and you’re still laughing?” Shen Yunzhou clicked his tongue. “But your attitude? I admire it.”

Zhou Qing’s face flushed slightly. He glanced at Jiangpo Army’s helmsman ahead, shook his head silently, and swallowed the words on his tongue.

He rose, gazing at the mountains and rivers flashing beneath the clouds, calculating inwardly.

“Five years. Just wait five years—Taiqingmen will gain two Cut-Spirit guest Elders. Then, when trouble comes, we won’t be so helpless.”

Thinking of it, Zhou Qing felt a surge of exhilaration.

Of course, you must strengthen yourself first.

He needed to push harder—to break through to Soul Transformation’s late stage as soon as possible.

But every step in Soul Transformation was like walking on ice—it required not just vast spiritual energy, but constant refinement of one’s realm.

“My Four Flowers at the Crown constitution means I need several times more spiritual energy than others at the same level. Spirit stones and rare treasures alone won’t suffice.”

Zhou Qing frowned. “Once my absorption reaches saturation, I must wait until the energy is fully refined before I can continue.”

After a moment’s thought, his gaze sharpened. “I’ll need the Blood Phoenix Tribulation Crystal from the Inscription-level Divine Art.”

“It has no side effects—and it’s the fastest path to breakthrough.”

“But to manifest the full Blood Wing illusion, I need at least five Phoenix Dao Marks. I’m still three short.”

“That means I need at least thirty top-grade wood-element spirit stones.”

Zhou Qing glanced at the Dao-awakening ancient tea and five wood-element spirit stones in his storage pouch, exhaling softly.

“Helping Xuan Yuan Shuo just earned me half. The rest—I’ll find a way to get from those Demon Emperors!”

Fortune favors the bold—what’s one more gamble?

Thinking of it, Zhou Qing’s eyes flashed with ruthlessness, a wild fire burning within.

Thus, after a month of relentless travel, the three switched through multiple regional teleportation arrays and finally reached the border.

Far off, Xuan Yuan Shuo stepped forward laughing, the dark embroidery on his robe glinting in the sunlight: “Young Zhou! You’ve finally arrived!”

Zhou Qing bowed. “Greetings, Elder Xuan Yuan!”

“We’re family—no need for formalities!” Xuan Yuan Shuo grabbed his arm. “Dinner’s already prepared—come in!”

As he spoke, he glanced casually at Shen Yunzhou.

Zhou Qing quickly introduced: “This is my friend Shen Yunzhou—he wanted to see the border.”

Shen Yunzhou bowed respectfully.

Xuan Yuan Shuo nodded slightly, warmly guiding them inside.

After the feast, Xuan Yuan Shuo invited Zhou Qing alone to his study, first inquiring after Second Uncle’s condition, then detailing the border situation.

It matched Jiangpo Army’s account, but with deeper, hidden stratagems.

After careful consideration, Zhou Qing nodded in agreement.

“No time to waste—we leave for Taiyao Mountain in three days!” Xuan Yuan Shuo finalized the plan and turned to leave.

Strangely, throughout, both men deliberately avoided any mention of soul-searching or spirit stones—as if those unpleasant events had never occurred.

The next day, Shen Yunzhou, unable to contain his curiosity, pulled Zhou Qing aside. “I think Elder Xuan Yuan Shuo seems generous—what exactly are you helping him with?”

Zhou Qing shook his head.

After all, the secret of his impersonating Jin Peng was known only to himself, Xuan Yuan Shuo, and Second Uncle.

It was classified—agreed upon from the start: no leaks.

Seeing Zhou Qing wouldn’t speak, Shen Yunzhou wisely dropped it—but added sincerely: “If he threatens you, just tell me. I’ve got ways to handle him.”

Zhou Qing looked into Shen Yunzhou’s eyes—burning with genuine concern—and felt a warm current rise in his chest.

Though this guy always caused trouble for Number Six, his loyalty and character were beyond reproach.

“Thanks—I’ve got it under control,” Zhou Qing said, clapping his shoulder.

Word spread quickly that Zhou Qing had arrived, and former opponents like Lu Jinghong and other junior generals came to visit.

As they exchanged stories, laughter and playful curses filled the room.

Some even wanted another sparring match, but Zhou Qing refused—he couldn’t afford mistakes before the mission.

Three days later, Xuan Yuan Shuo slipped away from the border garrison with Zhou Qing, heading straight for Taiyao Mountain.

Shen Yunzhou crouched behind a broken wall, peering out, wiping his nose furtively, muttering: “Let’s see where you’re taking Brother Zhou.”

Then he slipped away after them.

…

Several days later, the two slipped quietly into Taiyao Mountain.

Compared to last time, the mountain’s defenses had grown far stricter.

Almost every inch of sky and ground was patrolled by demonic beasts.

Clearly, the strategist-level old monkey had, during Jin Peng’s seclusion, turned the entire demon realm into a flawless fortress.

As they neared the central region’s Heileng Peak, mist swirled around it, where two demon kings—still bearing feathered traits—stood guard.

“Besides the old monkey, Jin Peng has five direct subordinates: Xuan He, Chixiao Sun, Gui Yan, Lieyun Que, and Gu Ya. You know them.”

Xuan Yuan Shuo whispered.

Zhou Qing nodded, eyes locked on the cave entrance.

The two guarding it were Xuan He, radiating icy chill, and Chixiao Sun, wreathed in flame.

Back then, when they ransacked the cave, Second Uncle and Xuan Yuan Shuo had struck together, capturing these demon kings, erasing their memories, and implanting false ones.

“Here—this is the puppet I got from Da Ye when we left. If needed, it can mimic Jin Peng’s appearance—handy for operations!”

Xuan Yuan Shuo pulled a wooden puppet carved with intricate patterns from his storage pouch.

Feeling its familiar aura, Zhou Qing suddenly missed Second Uncle.

Back then, to compensate for his own realm deficiency, Second Uncle had given him countless such puppets over three years—each shaped as Li Hanshan, challenging sect masters and elders.

Imprinting his Nascent Soul to amplify this was certainly difficult, but recalling what he’d seen in Shen Hanyi’s forbidden zone recently, he almost laughed.

But—

If there’s a puppet, why couldn’t Xuan Yuan Shuo simply manifest a fake version himself? Why summon me?

Unless—he has another plan!

“Take this Taiyao Token as well; it will let you enter the Five-Color Array. I’ll draw them away, and you slip in.”

Xuan Yuan Shuo handed him another token, inscribed entirely with demonic script.

As Zhou Qing took the token, Xuan Yuan Shuo’s expression turned grave: “Also, just like last time, carry it on your person.”

“It can deliver a single strike at mid-stage Soul Severing level—but avoid using it if you can. I truly exhausted myself forging it.”

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly pointed at his third eye, and a miniature version of Xuan Yuan Shuo slowly peeled away from it.

Xuan Yuan Shuo’s face instantly paled.

Zhou Qing didn’t hesitate—he took it.

This was no time for politeness; he was about to face several demonic emperors who had lived for countless ages.

Any slip would mean utter ruin.

“I’ve already explained the plan to you. To be safe, I’ll guide you secretly—and if necessary, I’ll appear myself.”

Xuan Yuan Shuo forced a pat on Zhou Qing’s shoulder, his eyes heavy with gravity.

“Don’t worry—I know what to do,” Zhou Qing smiled faintly.

Xuan Yuan Shuo nodded and vanished silently.

Not long after, the Xuan He and Chi Xiao Falcon, who had been chatting by the cave entrance, suddenly tensed, scanning the right side with sharp alertness.

After exchanging glances, they snatched their weapons simultaneously and shot off, leaving twin afterimages in the air.

Zhou Qing seized the moment—silver light flashed beneath his feet as he swiftly approached the cave.

The instant he pulled out the Taiyao Token, he poured spiritual power into it to activate it.

The token blazed with light; the five-color barrier rippled, and he pushed open the stone door, vanishing in a flash.

A few breaths later, Xuan He and Chi Xiao Falcon returned, confused, and resumed their posts.

Inside the cave, Zhou Qing leaned against the stone door, chest heaving—he felt exhilarated.

Slowly, he pressed his ear to the stone, held his breath, confirmed he hadn’t been detected, then relaxed, exhaling deeply.

Then he looked at the empty cave and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

Last time, the three of them had really stripped it bare.

Now only bare stone walls remained—not a single thing left.

Even the corpse of Master Si Tu Jiuyao in the secret chamber had been taken by Xuan Yuan Shuo.

Then he pulled out a jade slip—Xuan Yuan Shuo had given it to him, containing all the information he’d gathered over the past few years.

For instance, the two demonic kings outside were often called “Ah He” and “Ah Sun” by the Peng Emperor.

The old monkey himself was a Red-Bearded Ape; even with his aged, sparse fur, in the Peng Emperor’s mouth, he was always the affectionate “Red Fur.”

“Thankfully, when I impersonated the Peng Emperor last time, I didn’t interact much with these demonic kings—otherwise I’d have been exposed!”

Zhou Qing stared at the jade slip; the information within had long been etched into his memory over the past three days.

After thinking it through, he turned his gaze to the puppet, paused, then decided not to use it yet.

He then meticulously checked every corner of the cave, confirmed nothing was missed, and finally exhaled.

Instantly, golden light erupted around Zhou Qing, transforming him into the first form of the Jin Peng true body.

Under his deliberate control, his form shrank considerably from its peak size, yet still radiated overwhelming might.

The second humanoid form—aside from its golden glow and pair of wings—was nearly identical to his own face; too risky.

Then, using the Void Illusion Manifestation, he fully suppressed his aura to match that of an ordinary mortal.

This blend of truth and illusion was most deceptive.

Ready, Zhou Qing cleared his throat, mimicked the Peng Emperor’s aged voice with a low murmur, then pulled out the Taiyao Token again.

Outside, the two demonic kings, Xuan He and Chi Xiao Falcon, who had been whispering, instinctively turned at the sound of the stone door grinding open—and froze.

There stood a Jin Chida, perched at the cave entrance, its feathers forged from purest gold, swirling with radiant runes.

Its hawk eyes glowed like twin violet lightning; its gaze made them shudder, and faint thunder and wind roared between its wings.

A wave of noble authority washed over them, compelling them to bow in worship.

The two demonic kings blinked, then broke into ecstatic grins and immediately knelt.

“Your Majesty! You’ve finally emerged from seclusion!”

Zhou Qing nodded slightly, slowly stepping forward with two scaled talons.

Each step crushed the void; ripples spread through the air.

He lowered his voice, speaking in a weathered tone: “Ah He, Ah Sun—you’ve worked hard these past days.”

“Protecting Your Majesty is our honor!” the two demonic kings cried, faces flushed, eyes blazing with fervor.

Zhou Qing nodded in satisfaction, then feigned casual muttering: “Unexpectedly, this transformation seems to have made me slightly younger. Quite surprising.”

Hearing this, the two demonic kings erupted in further praise.

No wonder his voice sounded odd—it was the sign of returning to primordial purity!

“Where are Red Fur and the others?” Zhou Qing’s gaze sharpened, his voice deep.

Xuan He hurriedly replied: “Your Majesty, our strategist has been calming the other restless demonic kings. I’ll go summon them at once!”

With that, he turned into a streak of light and vanished into the horizon.

Zhou Qing frowned slightly, looking puzzled, then turned to Chi Xiao Falcon: “Calming them? Are they planning another rebellion?”

Chi Xiao Falcon stammered: “Your Majesty, you misunderstand. But things have been chaotic lately—the Spider Empress perished… the Qing Luo Beast Emperor claims you arranged it… the Dragon Emperor seeks your aid…”

In the shadows nearby, Xuan Yuan Shuo watched Zhou Qing convincingly listen to Chi Xiao Falcon’s report—and smiled.

“This kid really knows how to act!”

He remembered how, the first time Zhou Qing impersonated the Peng Emperor, he tricked both the Spider Empress and the Dragon Emperor into giving him thirty supreme spirit stones each—truly bold!

Soon, the old monkey arrived, leaning on his cane, accompanied by Gui Yan, Lie Yun Que, and Gu Ya—the four direct subordinates—all rushing in, eyes filled with excitement and awe.

“Red Fur, you’ve worked hard these past years,” Zhou Qing sighed, looking at the old monkey.

The monkey’s sparse, tangled fur hung like dead grass over his hunched frame; his cloudy eyes welled with tears.

He shook his head fiercely, voice hoarse: “It’s my duty. To ease Your Majesty’s burdens is this old minister’s honor!”

Zhou Qing nodded solemnly: “I’ve heard everything from Ah Sun. This is both opportunity and trial for us.”

“I command: any demonic king wishing to claim the Dragon Emperor’s abandoned territory may lead his clan to plunder it.”

“But only those at least at Demon Commander level, with sufficient spiritual energy—don’t end up as tomb guardians instead of looters.”

Hearing this, Lie Yun Que and the others’ eyes blazed with excitement; they shouted in unison.

“Yes! We’ll spread the order at once! Your Majesty, none of us have waited for this day—we’ve been waiting for your command!”

After giving his orders, Zhou Qing turned to the old monkey: “The Spider Empress’s territory is mostly seized by the Dragon Emperor, now facing off against the Wei Lun Demon and Qing Luo Beast Emperor, correct?”

The old monkey, leaning on his cane, replied solemnly: “Correct. Besides them, the Tiger Emperor from the mountain depths has also joined in—and there’s movement along the human border.”

Zhou Qing pondered briefly, then spoke calmly: “Understood. I now know the situation. Leave the rest to me—you guard Taiyao Mountain.”

“Yes!” The demonic kings bowed in unison.

With their Majesty’s return, their anchor was restored.

Then Zhou Qing casually glanced toward the distance, then suddenly acted as if remembering something: “Does anyone have spare supreme wood-element spirit stones?”

The demonic kings exchanged glances, all shook their heads—Zhou Qing felt disappointment.

Then the old monkey spoke up: “I heard the Spider Empress’s Thousand Illusion Labyrinth once yielded a vein of supreme wood-element spirit stones.”

“But how much remains after all these years? And now with four demonic emperors stationed there, it’s likely—”

At this, Zhou Qing’s eyes lit up.

“Understood. Stay here on standby—I’m going to the Thousand Illusion Labyrinth.”

With that, Zhou Qing stepped forward—golden light erupted, instantly transforming him into a ten-thousand-zhang giant Peng.

His massive wings spread wide, blotting out sky and sun; a single flap unleashed a violent hurricane.

The demonic kings stared at this awe-inspiring sight, eyes filled with awe and reverence.

Nearby, Xuan Yuan Shuo quietly followed.

…

When Zhou Qing’s colossal form appeared at the Thousand Illusion Labyrinth, the scene before him was horrifying.

The entire labyrinth was choked with smoke and dust; the air reeked of putrid decay.

The ground was littered with the corpses of various demonic beasts; shattered remains scattered everywhere.

The Spider Empress’s former domain, now that she was dead, had become this ruin.

Zhou Qing shook his head slightly—after all, she brought it on herself by trying to control No. 6.

Didn’t she see the gap between them?

Then he let out a piercing cry into the sky, its sound like thunder echoing through the entire labyrinth.

Soon, a dark cloud rolled in, and a black dragon, covered in bluish-black scales, coiled into view.

The Dragon Emperor Xuan Qiu cried out excitedly: “Brother Feng! You’ve finally come!”

Zhou Qing nodded slightly—before he could speak, mist rose in the distance, and a mountain-sized beast stepped through the air.

Its limbs were thick and powerful, neither turtle nor beast, its azure scales glinting coldly in the sunlight, with streams of water flowing between its scales.

It was the Qing Luo Beast he’d seen on Haidao.

"Brother Feng, we meet again!" Though the Qianluo Beast spoke warmly, its gaze toward Zhou Qing betrayed unmistakable awe.

(End of Chapter)